Staged Haze’s 24 Artists to Watch in 2024

Angie McMahon
RIYL: Hozier, Middle Kids, Grace Cummings

I’m the first to admit when I don’t give an artist enough of a chance, and 95% of the time it’s simply because I am listening to too much music and many artists get lost in the chaotic shuffle. However, I had heard of the Australian singer-songwriter several years ago when I had the chance to see her open for Hozier at The Chicago Theater, and I was absolutely blown away by her live performance and musicianship.

Fast forward to 2023, and one of our writers, Meleah, was vouching for her album Light, Dark, Light Again, and when I finally had the chance to hear it, I was absolutely mesmerized. McMahon’s brilliant songwriting, focused around the cyclical elements of life and the ebbs and flows of recovery, paired with the raspy, deep tones of her voice, easily made it one of my favorites of the year. – Kristin

Barry Can’t Swim
RIYL: Fred again.., Porter Robinson, Jamie xx

Barry Can’t Swim, the Edinburgh-born, London-based producer, emerges as a compelling “Artist to Watch” with his debut album, When Will We Land?, which dropped in October 2023. This electronic maestro weaves a tapestry of vibrant introspection, reminiscent of the sonic landscapes explored by Fred again. Barry brings a fresh perspective to the London music scene, delivering a colorful fusion of electronic beats and introspective melodies.

When Will We Land? stands out as a testament to Barry Can’t Swim’s mastery in crafting immersive soundscapes. Much like Fred again, he navigates the realms of electronic music with a distinctive flair, blending emotive elements seamlessly into his compositions. As an artist on the rise, Barry Can’t Swim is poised to captivate audiences with his unique sonic journey, marking him as a noteworthy contributor to the evolving landscape of electronic music. – Jesse

buffchick
RIYL: Blondshell, Samia, Indigo De Souza

One of my favorite things that comes along with writing about music is when I find an artist who is so unbelievably talented and who is (somewhat) undiscovered. Someone whose music I truly believe in, and want our readers to drop everything they’re doing and listen to them. That’s how I felt when I first heard Buffchick’s music, an artist that I discovered last year and who has continued to drop one amazing song after the other. 

Erin Manion, the name behind the project, recently graduated from Syracuse University’s music program and supporting herself as a bartender in Brooklyn, while writing and performing music as much as she possibly can. Like I mentioned in this post, if you’re a fan of artists like Samia or Blondshell, I have a strong feeling you’ll love Buffchick, too. – Kristin 

DICE
RIYL: Spacey Jane, Sun Room, Lime Cordiale

When I told our Editor-in-Chief Kristin that I wanted to write about this band, her response was “They’re literally the most Javi band I’ve ever seen.” Was she implying that I tend to like bands full of boys with mustaches and electric guitars? Yes! And she was right! And if you’re like me, DICE is your new favorite band.

Just like a lot of their fellow Aussie bands do, they literally sound like summer, like being at the beach with your friends with no cares in the world. If I’m correct, they haven’t stepped foot to perform on this side of the world just yet, but if I’m right –and I am– they will soon. They’re the perfect alt-rock band to play during the day at a festival like Lollapalooza, and I’m sure that will be the case and I will be front row for their set in the next couple of years. – Javi

Far Caspian
RIYL: Beach Fossils, Vansire, Vacations

Seems like 2024 truly is the Irish’s year (or at least it is in my heart). Currently based in Leeds, England, Joel Johnston delivers small doses of either dopamine or sadness in the form of songs. Having put out his sophomore album The Last Remaining Light just last year, he seems to be on his way to find his place in the indie rock sphere.

Melancholic at times, and hyper at others, Johnston seems to move around genres and production styles with ease. Earlier songs from his debut record Ways To Get Out remind me of Ritt Momney and Vacations, and while his newest releases seem a little more sentimental, during both projects he made sure to get as vulnerable as possible. Far Caspian is another artist whose rise feels some time overdue, but with half a million monthly listeners he seems to be doing quite alright already. – Javi

Field Medic
RIYL: Adam Melchor, Charlie Burg, Hovvdy

LA-based singer-songwriter Kevin Patrick Sullivan is no stranger to sharing personal details about his life through his music, often referencing his battle with sobriety after starting to drink at a very young age. Most of his music was created from the confines of his bedroom, playing an acoustic guitar and using a drum loop to create his sound.

Sullivan has described his methods as a “full-time freestyle,” in which he “records as he writes and focuses more on stream-of-consciousness candidness over studio perfection,” according to a press release from a couple years ago. I had heard Field Medic’s lo-fi, indie folk music here and there, but I really became interested after listening to his album dope girl chronicles, which dropped on December 1, 2023. – Kristin

flowerovlove
RIYL: beabadoobee, Zeph, pinkpantheress

In a shocking twists of events to absolutely no one, the artist that goes by flowerovlove releases incredibly sweet music, and the cynic that lives deep inside of me is being completely wooed by it. 

The 18-year-old British songwriter, whose real name I cannot find on the internet, first made waves with the singles “Next Best Exit” and “Coffee Shop,” and was name dropped by Zane Lowe of Apple Music, VEVO, Amazon Music, and several publications’ Ones To Watch list last year.

flowerovlove’s creative vision is behind everything she sets her mind to, including modeling for Gucci and Maison Kitsuné, walking in Paris Fashion Week. She even uses symbol of a flower to “depict the beauty of evolution and captivate listeners’ hearts, take over their headphones, and draw attention to sustainability and preserving the earth around us,” according to a press release. – Kristin

Flyana Boss
RIYL: Sudan Archives, Doechii, hemlocke springs

Say what you want about TikTok and all of the nuances of the app, especially in the context of how it affects artists and their marketing strategies, but at the end of the day, the silly app is a powerful tool that can help artists who may not have the backing or budget of a major label to get their music out into the world. 

Thanks to hip-hop duo Flyana Boss’ efforts on TikTok all throughout 2023, they made their single “You Wish” blow up across the world, even helping them land a spot opening up for several of Janelle Monae’s tour dates, as well as a headlining tour set to kick off later this year. They’ve been signed to Atlantic Records since 2021, but I’m expecting 2024 to be the year that truly launches them into the pop stratosphere.
– Kristin

Genevieve Stokes
RIYL: Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Leith Ross

Where are my girlies who were listening to intensely mature music at a young age? I’m talking about artists like Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap, and The Civil Wars—artists with absolutely beautiful voices and stunning production—and lyrics that were absolutely going over my head as a 15-year-old. 

If you can channel the vibe I’m trying to describe, and you like the sound of it, I guarantee that you’ll enjoy, and likely actually understand, the music of Genevieve Stokes. Stokes’ 2023 EP Chasing Rabbits was built after the lead single, “Habits” had a viral moment on—you guessed it—TikTok, garnering her 71 million streams of the track on Spotify alone. Stokes, who’s from Portland, ME, has toured with Staged Haze faves Charlie Burg and Briston Maroney, and also embarked on a small headlining tour in 2023. I’m hoping to see her back on the road with new music in 2024. – Kristin

Haley Blais
RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Tommy Lefroy, Eliza McLamb

It’s hard to believe that I’m writing a post about artists to watch in 2024, when I found an email from one of said artists in my inbox from 2018. Yes, six years ago. If that says anything about singer-songwriter Haley Blais’ tenacity as a musician, I’m not quite sure what would.

If Blais’ name sounds familiar to you, it’s because we praised her 2023 album Wisecrack very highly, thanks to its incredibly touching and introspective take on the perils of growing up and getting wiser.

Blais’ incredibly vulnerable take on songwriting reminds me of artists we’ve come to know and love at this publication, including Tommy Lefroy (who Blais toured with last year) and heavy hitter Phoebe Bridgers. If you’re in need of a new artist to cry to, please turn on Haley Blais and thank me later. – Kristin

hey, nothing
RIYL: Briston Maroney, Peter McPoland, Kevin Atwater

You know that meme that says something like “Just saw someone my age/younger than me being extremely talented and my day was ruined”? Okay, this is the best and worst example of that because Tyler and Harrow from hey, nothing JUST GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL. Do you also feel like an ancient dinosaur yet? These two teenagers from Georgia were making some of the coolest and most beautiful music you’ll ever hear while also surviving some of the most traumatizing years of their lives.

Their debut album We’re Starting To Look Like Each Other is such a precious compilation of memories and experiences, and it makes absolutely no sense that they were able to capture everything that goes through my mind while being so much younger than me, but I love them for it! There is definitely not enough hype about them on the internet, but surely that will change soon, and I can’t wait to see them take over the world. – Javi

King Isis
RIYL: Willow, beabadoobee, Blondshell

Not to be confused with model and television personality Isis King, Oakland’s own King Isis made their festival debut at Outside Lands last year, one of the most well-known music festivals in the country.

King Isis comes from a line of professional musicians: their grandmother was one the first Black opera singers in Chicago, and their classical training background pops up in their sound in unique, poignant ways.

Despite struggling in a low-income household during childhood while being raised by a single mom, King Isis’ passion for music and songwriting got them noticed, eventually signing to Dirty Hit Records and releasing a debut EP, Scales, in March of last year. If you’re a fan of artists who like to challenge the status quo and make music that defies genres, King Isis is the person you’re looking for. – Kristin

The Last Dinner Party
RIYL: Chappell Roan, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice

When I first heard “Nothing Matters” by British indie rock group The Last Dinner Party, I knew I was listening to something special. Sonically, the band sounds like they’re straight out of the ‘60s and ‘70s (Wikipedia lists one of their genres as ‘Baroque Pop,’ to get a better understanding), and a bit of musical theater (in the best way possible). 

Despite the band only having one single out in early 2023, they were slated to open for several shows with Florence & The Machine, thanks to the large amount of live shows they played around London in 2022, which even got them a spot opening up for The Rolling Stones in the same year.

The Last Dinner Party’s debut album drops on February 2. – Kristin

Madi Diaz
RIYL: Allison Ponthier, Mitch Rowland, Waxahatchee

And just like that, I’m back with a “I told you so” in the form of “I’ve backed Madi Diaz for three years at this point.” But to be fair, all of the writers at Staged Haze have been preaching our love for Diaz, including her 2021 album History of a Feeling on our Best of List of the year. 

Diaz, who is already a successful songwriter in Nashville, (somewhat) got her flowers in 2022, opening up for Harry Styles on a handful of his Love On Tour dates and later joining his band on guitar and backup vocals. Diaz also released a beautiful ballad with country superstar Kacey Musgraves in the last quarter of 2023, an opportunity that had to have opened up her audience by a few hundred thousand.

Madi Diaz’ upcoming album Weird Faith is dropping next month and Diaz is embarking on a North American tour starting on Feb. 21. – Kristin

MARIS
RIYL: Lawrence, Maude Latour, Gatlin

I really didn’t feel like I could write this post without a shoutout to MARIS, one of my favorite artist discoveries of 2023. The independent pop singer’s song “Crashland” was at the top of my “Most Played Songs of the Year,” Playlist (#14, to be exact), and I absolutely became convinced of her star power after seeing her perform live in Los Angeles last spring.

MARIS’ music is a breath of fresh air, it doesn’t hold back, and it’s for the “I feel everything” people who are working on not being afraid of expressing it. MARIS has released a handful of singles since dropping her debut EP, Gravity, back. inJune 2023, and she just announced that she’ll be performing at this year’s Boston Calling Festival alongside artists like Chappell Roan and The Killers. – Kristin

Matilda Mann
RIYL: Lizzy McAlpine, Adam Melchor, Leith Ross

I was at an Urban Outfitters a few weeks ago, naturally not buying anything and just enjoying the vibes, when a song that I didn’t know but really liked started playing. I –deeply embarrassed– had to discreetly use the relic that is Shazam and as soon as Matilda Mann’s name came up I felt so dumb! But also so seen.

I’ve found myself saving all of her songs in the past year, which is rare because the internal misogyny sometimes prevents me from taking the time to give unknown female voices a chance. But Matilda apparently doesn’t miss. Some of her songs that don’t get as many streams are even stronger then the ones Spotify likes to playlist, which just shows that she is not there to play. With no full-length albums under her belt yet, I’m sure 2023 will be a big year for the 23-year-old. – Javi

Medium Build
RIYL: Noah Kahan, Faye Webster

Nick Carpenter, the brilliance behind Medium Build, is bound to have his biggest year yet. The artist, who has been slowly calibrating his sound for nearly a decade, will be releasing his first full length album, under Island Records, this coming year. His “Health” EP, released in January of 2023, garnered him the attention of major labels and massive artists. Lewis Capaldi invited Medium Build to join the European leg of his 2023 tour, and Medium Build is set to return to Europe to accompany Holly Humberstone on her 2024 tour.

The quality of Carpenter’s voice is full of rich texture and strain, like knots decorating perfectly stained cherry oak. He draws listeners in by leaving his heart exposed to the elements. There’s a roughness to both his lyrics and vocal tone, which sit deep in the belly of this special indie-folk beast. – Meleah

milk.
RIYL: The 1975, The Japanese House, The Wldlfe

I’ve been pushing the milk. agenda for a while now, insisting that if you like The 1975 you are going to inevitably love them too. And although the band’s sound is undoubtedly and heavily inspired by Matty Healy’s quartet, it feels a little unfair to put them in such a strict box when they have proven to be experimenting with different styles and songs.

Their latest project, 3, the EP. gives listeners a glimpse into their range both musically and thematically. “It’s The Internet’s World We’re Just Living In It.” and “London.” are two loud, almost cacophonous tracks that scratch my brain in all the right places, while “I’ve Got A Friend.” and “Emotionally Abusive.” are soft and harmonious, with the second one also being painfully well written. The Irish four-piece are only at the beginning of their career and already exuding the energy of a well established band – which I’m sure they will become soon! – Javi

The Moss
RIYL: The Backseat Lovers, flipturn, Del Water Gap

Salt Lake City-based The Moss have quickly become one of my favorite bands in the past year, missing out on my top 10 albums of the year with their Insomnia EP only by a little bit. Coincidentally coming from the same city as The Backseat Lovers and Krooked Kings, they remind me of exactly that type of band, with powerful guitars and fun tunes that you can’t help but hope to be able to hear live.

With a mix of indie rock and indie pop that in my opinion creates a perfect balance for songs that are both singable and that make you just want to jump around, their breakout hit “Insomnia” has been opening up doors for them this year. They’ve already made their way into festival lineups and will continue their Alive North American tour this year. I sadly won’t be lucky to catch them on tour this time around, but if you can you definitely should! – Javi

Nell Mescal
RIYL: Holly Humberstone, Maggie Rogers, Alix Page

I recently decided that 20-year-old Nell has been getting a lot of social media attention for the wrong reasons. Yes, I am also in love with her very famous and talented brother Paul Mescal, but because of that same reason I was reluctant to give her music a chance, and boy was that a mistake. After releasing some mellow, mostly piano-based songs, it seems like the Ireland-native has found a new path, as she now leans closer to an indie pop sound.

Her voice is sweet and comforting, and her songwriting brings out a great look into girlhood and growing up. The best word I can think of to describe Nell and her music is wholesome, it’s sort of innocent but in a way that takes naivité as a strength. If people are going to be snooping around her social media I hope they also take the time to give her songs a chance, she’s clearly giving it her all and she’s nothing short of brilliant. – Javi

Olivia Dean
RIYL: Arlo Parks, Holly Humberstone, Raye

Olivia Dean, the East London sensation, is unquestionably the artist to watch in 2024. With influences from soul icons Amy Winehouse and Lianne La Havas, Dean infuses her music with a timeless quality. Her soulful vocals, combined with infectious pop elements, create a unique and captivating sound that transcends genres. In 2023, she earned the esteemed title of BBC Music Introducing Artist of the Year, a clear testament to her rising prominence.

Dean’s debut album, Messy, released on June 30, 2023, showcases her musical prowess, but also reflects a personal touch. In describing the album, she expressed a hope for it to bring joy, comfort, and a reminder of the shared human experience. The acclaim and shortlisting for the 2023 Mercury Prize underscore her exceptional talent and the profound impact she’s making in the industry. As Olivia Dean continues to ascend, she is poised to become a household name, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape in 2024. – Jesse

Palmer
RIYL: Lovejoy, young friend, Briston Maroney

Ever since Spotify released its Smart Shuffle feature, all of my recommended songs sound pretty much the same, so when I start recognizing someone’s voice in multiple songs that I like, I just know I’ve found one of my new favorites. Palmer, FKA Palmer Trees, is one of those artists right now, as he has completely taken over my music library with his feel-good indie pop and rock songs.

His mostly upbeat tracks make me want to break into a choreography on my way to the store like nobody’s watching – they just make me wish my anxiety didn’t exist so I could fully do that. His music also brings a little bit of an old school energy, which works perfectly with his lower and sometimes whispery voice. With a decent amount of singles out, I feel like he’s ready to become a lot of people’s new favorite artist, too 🙂 – Javi

Royel Otis
RIYL: Wallows, Foster The People, MGMT

Another band that I’ve been forcing my friends to listen to for months on end is Royel Madell and Otis Pavlovic’s duo. Their latest EP Sofa Kings even made it on my top 10 albums of last year, and I truly believe their sound is one of a kind. Songs like “Kool Aid, ” “Going Kokomo,” and their viral hit “Oysters In My Pocket” are so weirdly addictive, with their eccentric, partly grating but compelling vocals, their style is so distinctive it makes me happy every time it comes on in a random playlist.

It feels way overdue for them to be included in this list, and now that they keep showing up on the lineups for festivals like Boston Calling and Primavera Sound, I’m so incredibly upset that I didn’t write about them last year. But anyway, I’m done gatekeeping them now! You all should and must love them 🙂 – Javi

Susannah Joffe
RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Clairo, Alix Page

If you take the time to look at the canvas (the background graphics) on singer-songwriter Susannah Joffe’s Spotify singles, you’d see that she has been communicating with her fans. “Congrats on finding an indie artist that still replies to DMs :)” one says. “If you think this song is sad, just wait till you listen to my latest single,” another reads.If this isn’t the epitome of an artist to watch, I’m not sure what is.

Susannah Joffe, an artist based in NYC but born in Austin, TX, booked her first gig at 16-years-old, and hasn’t slowed down since. Her songwriting partner includes none other than her father, and she’s been releasing gritty alt. pop songs since 2020, her aesthetic growing darker, her sounds becoming a bit more jaded. Her music weaves themes of religion throughout, discussing the nuances of growing up in a Christian and Jewish household, which was challenging, to say the least. – Kristin